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UTDOOR CONNECTION
JANUARY 2016 ESTHERVILLE NEWS Find this publication online at www.esthervillenews.net under 驶Sections始
STORIES, ADVICE AND INFORMATION FOR OUTDOOR LOVERS
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Don’t give up! Don’t ever give up!
As a former teacher and coach, I’ve always liked motivational speakers and quotes that challenge us to do better and to “reach for the stars.” There are a lot of great ones out there, but there is one that still gives me goose bumps. I know I have mentioned this one before, but the one that gets me the most is one from the late Jim Valvano. The year was 1993 and the evening of the annual Espy Awards. The words came from Valvano, the former North Carolina State men’s basketball coach. Terminally ill with bone can‐ cer, Valvano shared with the audience just how much he cherished and rel‐ ished life and how much he wished that everybody could do the same. The entire speech was awe‐ some, and there are so many moving parts, but these are the words that moved me the most. Valvano said… "We should do three things every day of our lives.
STEVE WEISMAN OUTDOOR EDITOR
n Number one, laugh. You should laugh every day. n Number two is think. You should spend some time in thought. n Number three is that you should have your emo‐ tions moved to tears.” Valvano continued, “If you laugh, if you think and if you cry, that's a full day. That’s a heck of a day. You do that seven days a week, you're going to have some‐ thing special." How powerful is that? It’s really about being ALIVE and LIVING life, no matter the cards we are dealt. It’s not about being fair; no it’s about living life to the fullest and making the most
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of our opportunities. Then Valvano ended his speech with these seven words of encouragement that I think of every day… "Don't give up! Don't ever give up!" No matter our age or our calling in life, following Valvano’s advice can help make us all that much bet‐ ter. Relating to our lakes: never give up As I look at our battle to protect our lakes, I encour‐ age all of us to remember Valvano’s words. Yes, we have seen unwanted exotics get in our lakes. We dodged the bullet so to speak with the Asian carp threat, and the electric fish barrier effectively stopped their entrance. With the water running over the spillway at Big Spirit, this will probably be critical this coming spring. Of course, our fight against zebra mussels has not been as successful. First discovered in 2012, they have expanded to be along most shorelines in East Okoboji, West Okoboji, Upper and Lower Gar and Lake Minnewashta. Yes, this is frustrating, BUT we cannot just throw in the towel. Valvano’s words echo in my mind, “Don’t give up! Don’t ever give up!” In this time of frustration, I go to the words of Fisheries Biologist Mike Hawkins, who has worked so diligently to improve and protect our lakes. “Zebra mussels will impact our lakes, but they will not ‘ruin’ our lakes. Recreation, fishing, and the natural environment will not col‐ lapse and our lakes will
Water is running into the Okoboji chain of lakes out of Big Spirit. This photo of the fish barrier below Lower Gar will be extremely important this spring as the Asian carp try to enter the Iowa Great Lakes system. Photo by Steve Weisman
continue on. I believe this is an important consideration as we face a problem that does not have a clear solu‐ tion. Zebra mussels are here to stay; at least until a breakthrough is found, and we must continue working on other critical but related issues.” His next words are now part of my rally cry! “Studies from around the world have shown the impacts of invaders can be mitigated by maintaining healthy native plant and animal populations and protecting water quality. Our community’s efforts to reduce sediment and nutri‐ ents entering the lakes, protect shorelines from erosion and over‐develop‐ ment, and enhance aquatic habitat are all critical in our long‐term battle against zebra mussels and other aquatic invaders. It makes sense that a healthy lake ecosystem is more resilient to an invader.” At the same time, efforts
to stop or slow the spread of other invading exotics are paramount. I encour‐ age all of us living here in the Iowa Great Lakes and those that visit or reside here in the summer to become part of the solu‐ tion. Join one of the many protective and environ‐ mental organizations that work so diligently to pro‐ tect our resources. As a member of the Okoboji Protective Association (OPA), I extend the opportunity to become part of the OPA. It’s a group of dues paying members dedicated to preserving the lakes for future genera‐ tions. OPA goals include the fol‐ lowing: o preventing invasive species o preserving and protect‐ ing the wetlands in the Iowa Great Lakes water‐ sheds o participating in the con‐ trol of lake developments to prevent environmental
threats o promoting sustainable urban and agricultural development that won’t upset the delicate ecologi‐ cal balance of the lakes and watershed o informing the commu‐ nity of any concerns and actions that must be taken to act on those ecological concerns For membership informa‐ tion and for more detailed information on the OPA, go to www.okobojiprotective‐ association.org and also take time to visit the OPA’s Facebook page. The Facebook page shares the love of the “Lakes” through a wide range of photos taken throughout the year. As 2015 draws to a close and as we move into 2016, I hope we can all work together to protect and enhance our area lakes. Above all, remember Valvano’s words, “Don’t give up! Don’t ever give up!”
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Private lands efforts are reestablishing habitat BOONE — In Iowa land in public owner‐ ship is very limited. Public areas can only serve as islands of wildlife habitat in a land‐ scape dominated by row crops and urban sprawl. As a result, fulfilling the habitat needs of the state's diverse wildlife species requires natural resources and wildlife habitat be reestablished and/or protected on private lands. Toward that end, the Iowa DNR Wildlife Bureau maintains a Private Lands Program with a focused effort to enroll landowners in conservation programs across the state. Using 5 Private Lands Biologists, 5 Wildlife Specialists, 4 AmeriCorps members, and 5 Habitat Specialist stationed in local Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) offices, the efforts of the state's 20 man‐ agement biologists are greatly enhanced. The Iowa DNR coordinates its efforts with those of the NRCS, Farm Service Agency (FSA), and the Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCD). It also is receiving assis‐ tance from and working cooperatively with many non‐government organizations such as Pheasants Forever and The Nature Conservancy in its effort to get the habitat back on the land.
This private lands effort involves contact‐ ing and advising landowners about possi‐ ble conservation practices that could be put into place on their lands. Wetlands are designed, shelterbelts and winter food plots are developed and planted, native grass seedings and tree plantings are designed. Funding to get these designed practices on the ground comes from the USDA, IDNR, and private organizations. Technical Assistance Restoring Wetlands The Iowa DNR Wildlife Bureau provides technical expertise to landowners interest‐ ed in restoring wetlands on their property. Private Lands Biologists are able to assist landowners in evaluating their properties potential for wetland restoration, setting goals and identifying priorities for their land. Wildlife Bureau biologists can also assist landowners by identifying potential part‐ ners and federal programs that can help the landowner construct and cover costs of restoring wetlands. Many public Wildlife Management Areas provide examples of the benefits that can be accrued by restor‐ ing wetlands. Dugout Creek is one such
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public wetland that was restored in Dickinson County. Technical Assistance Restoring/Establishing Grasslands Historically, much of Iowa was a large expanse of tall grass prairie. Today, only small protected remnants of the tall grass prairie remain. The tall grass prairie was once home to a great diversity of wildlife species including bison and elk. Though our needs for agriculture preclude a return to pre‐settlement expanses of tall grass prairie, the potential to restore portions of this once great ecosystem remains espe‐ cially for private landowners who wish to have purple cone flower and bobolinks on their property, and for landowners who wish to improve habitat for pheasants, quail and hungarian partridge. For these landowners interested in restoring and enhancing grasslands on their property, the Iowa DNR can provide technical assistance. Management biolo‐ gists can assist landowners in evaluating their properties potential for grassland restoration, setting goals and identifying priorities for their land. Iowa DNR biolo‐
gists can also assist landowners by identify‐ ing potential partners and federal pro‐ grams that can help the landowner seed and generate income by restoring grass‐ lands and other sorts of wildlife habitat. Forestry Practices and CRP The Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) is not exclusive to grasslands nor is plant‐ ing grasslands the only CRP practice a landowner can engage in that will benefit wildlife. Planting trees also prevents soil erosion and benefits wildlife and should be considered by individuals wanting to par‐ ticipate in CRP. The DNR Forestry Bureau also assists landowners interested in enrolling their land in CRP, and provides information about where people can pur‐ chase trees to plant on their land. For additional information regarding pri‐ vate lands initiatives that can benefit wildlife and landowners, landowners are encouraged to contact their local private lands specialist. In this area, wildlife special‐ ists for Clay, Dickinson, Emmet and Palo Alto counties include Maury Muhm (712‐ 320‐0611) and Samantha McCarrel (712‐362‐ 2883).
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SPEAKING THE LANGUAGE OF FISH WITH YOUR JIG
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Ice fishing legend Dave Genz often talks about the proven magic that happens when you fish a jig designed to ride horizontally in the water on fresh line, using a good jigging rod, with the knot positioned to keep the jig horizontal. It’s known as the ‘Genz Pound,’ or just pounding, and it is the classic presentation that rules over all others in modern ice fishing. If you did nothing but rotate the knot––all the way––in the direction of the hook point, and became good at rapidly vibrating your wrist to keep your jig looking alive down there, you would have one good day after anoth‐ er out there on the ice. But let’s say for a second that you want to know more. That you want to know what Genz does when the clas‐ sic pounding presentation doesn’t bring as many bites as it usually does. “To start out the day,” says Dave, “I think about what spots the fish are probably in, and go to one of those spots and drill some holes. Then we fish those holes, quickly, aggressively, looking for fish that are ready to bite. Look for fish on your electronics, and drop a bait down all of them, to see if you can pull fish in, even if you don’t see anything right away. “You use what happens at that first set of holes to decide where you’re going to drill your next set of holes. I start off pounding it, and that usually works. When the fish get harder to catch, we move on and drill more new holes. But sometimes the fish don’t bite right away. They want something different, so you have to give them something different.”
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Any time fish don’t pounce on a pounded jig, Genz makes a mental note of that and begins to experiment with the pace of the pound. It’s some‐ thing he has done for so long that it’s become a muscle memory, something he hardly thinks about. He just does it. “Rather than tying on a new jig, or thinking about changing colors,” says Dave, “my first reaction is to experi‐ ment with the cadence. You can slow it down, which also lessens the vibra‐
When heʼs figuring out how to trigger fish, Dave Genz experiments with how fast he ʻpoundsʼ the jig, and where his knot is positioned on the jigʼs eyelet, before tying on a new bait. When he gets it right, the fish ʻtell himʼ by biting. (Photo: davegenz.com) Photo: davegenz.com)
tions being sent out by the jig. It changes what your presentation looks like, and feels like, to the fish. It has to feel right to them.” Listening to Genz and his friends talk about what the fish wanted at the end of a day on the ice is fascinating. And carefully watching Genz work his way through various cadence routines can be instructional. Pat Smith, a deadly ice fisherman himself, jokes about how Genz would probably take out a restraining order against him if he knew how much time he spends just watching how Dave experiments with this important speed factor. “What you want to avoid,” says Genz, “is sitting there too long exper‐ imenting with presentation. The Winter Fishing System is built around the idea that you should stay mobile and go find fish that are ready to bite.
If the fish don’t bite, go to a new spot and drill more holes. Don’t give up on the idea that there are biters some‐ where. But the longer you go into the day without catching fish, the more you should be changing how you’re working the bait. It can make a differ‐ ence when the bite is tough.”
Dial in the Knot In addition to varying the pace of the cadence while presenting a jig, Genz has also begun to experiment with moving the position of the knot to dif‐ ferent angles on the eyelet. “When you bring the knot all the way around on the eye, toward the hook point,” he says, “that gives you the most vibration. That’s the position I use most of the time. But now I’m working on what happens when you Turn to JIG, Page 5
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JIG, Continued from Page 4 dial the knot to different positions on the eye.” Maximizing vibration, keeping that jig fishing in a horizontal posture, creat‐ ing that buckin’ bronco kick to the hook end (which causes the mag‐ gots, plastic, or other add‐ ons to pulse around entic‐ ingly) will produce really well on most days, as we’ve already said. Attention to detail in this regard, according to Genz, is one sign of an accom‐ plished angler. “Rotating the knot on the jig eye has to become a habit,” stresses Genz. “Last winter, watching my brother, Jerry, who’s 80 years old, he automatically rotates the knot each time, before putting the line down the hole. Even though he’s one of the old‐ est guys out there, many times he has the best qual‐ ity fish at the end of the day.” But, as Genz points out, there are times when fish don’t bite well on the go‐to presentation. That’s when it’s time to experiment. In addition to changing up the speed and style of his cadence, Dave has been playing with the position of the knot to alter the motion and vibration sig‐ nature, to look for what triggers fish on any given day. “I think of the jig eyelet as the upper half of a wheel,” says Genz, “and I move the knot to different positions on the wheel to see what it does to the presentation, and how fish react to it. I’m fairly early in my time of doing this, so I’ll have more to report as this winter goes on, but it’s an interesting variable to test.” If you look at the entire eyelet and think of it as that “half wheel,” on which you can place the
knot at different positions, it’s easy to imagine the possibilities. When the knot is all the way toward the hook point, that forces the jig into more of a hori‐ zontal swimming attitude, and produces the maxi‐ mum vibration with each “kick” as you rapidly move your wrist and the rod moves up and down. At the other end of the “wheel” the jig assumes a vertical posture. This is the position it takes every time you catch a fish or snag on something and have to pull free. While Genz stands by the notion that rotating the knot all the way toward the hook point will catch you more fish on most days, there are times when a vertical jig carries the day. “Sometimes, fish like the lure rising up off the bot‐ tom, looking like it’s swim‐ ming to the surface,” explains Genz. “This is something fish have seen, when insects emerge and rise up. When they want it rising, having the jig hang more vertically is impor‐ tant.” To test whether this approach will be effective, Genz moves the knot away from the hook point, so the jig hangs vertically. “I rotate that knot around,” he says, “drop the jig to the bottom, pound it into the bottom a few times, and start rising it up with a swimming, kicking motion. If they want that, they’ll bite it. It’s another method to try when fish are down there and you’re struggling to get them to bite.” Between these two extremes, the “wheel” offers other knot positions to experiment with. “So many people are quick to change the color of the lure, or tie on a dif‐ ferent type of bait,” says Genz. “That’s not wrong to
STEWARDSHIP TIP:
Overharvest: a threat facing fishing BY BEN LEAL RECYCLED FISH PROGRAM DIRECTOR
Whether in the smallest pond or the largest ocean, fish can be overharvested. For example, too many large bass can be removed from a pond. With those top-level predators gone, small fish become too abundant and the result is a population of stunted bass and bluegill. In a larger fishery, consequences are more complex and often more devastating. By the mid 1980s, commercial fishermen had depleted mullet populations along the coast of Florida. With this primary forage fish nearly gone, populations of redfish, snook, tarpon, and other gamefish declined, as did numbers of birds that also fed on the mullet. But a ban on inshore netting allowed the mullet to repopulate and with them came a resurgence in gamefish and birds. Similarly, overharvest by both commercials and recreational anglers
do, but by altering how you’re presenting the jig you already have on there, you can do a lot of testing before you change color or tie on a different bait. “Besides doing this, make sure your plastics are on there straight, so the jig can work properly, and if you’re using live bait, make sure it’s fresh. Make sure there’s fresh juice coming out of those maggots, before you start thinking about changing jig colors.” Every day of fishing is a big experiment, where you are asking the fish what they want by showing them things you think they might want. And now you know a lot more about what Dave Genz does, in addition to drilling more holes. “Some of those little things you can try,” he says, “make a big differ‐ ence on some days.” Here’s to your winter of experimentation with cadence, pounding styles, and knot positions.
nearly destroyed the East coast striped bass fishery by the late 1970s. But in little more than a decade, moratoriums and strict limits had enabled those fish to recover.. Preferably, of course, overharvest should be avoided so bans, moratoriums, and strict limits are not needed to enable recovery. And it should be avoided because, sometimes, recovery might not be possible. Some fear that is whatʼs happening with some ocean stocks, including bluefin tuna. Growth of the catch-and-release ethic has helped diminish the threat posed from overharvest by recreational anglers, especially in freshwater. For example, bass anglers typically release nearly 90 percent of their catch. This is not to say that anglers shouldnʼt keep a few fish to eat. Additionally, harvesting a few smaller ones often can help a fishery. For example, if a lake has a 12- to 18-
inch protected slot for bass, keeping a few under the slot contributes to a faster growth rate and larger size for the remaining fish. But being a good steward means adhering to size and number limits. Also, it means reporting those who donʼt. And it means being respectful to the resource at times when fish are especially vulnerable, such as when they congregate under the ice or when theyʼre nesting in northern waters, where the spawning season is short and growth rates are slow. Solution: Harvest selectively, avoid harvesting from sensitive fisheries, and report poachers with vigilance.
Editorʼs note: Each month the Outdoor Connection will feature a column by Recycled Fish, a nonprofit organization founded by Teeg Stouffer in 2003.
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SNOW POSES PROBLEMS ON THE ICE BY STEVE WEISMAN OUTDOOR EDITOR
Finally some colder weather! Except for a few spikes, the extended 10‐day forecast shows daytime temperatures mostly in the teens, while the lows are mostly in the single digits to low teens. That is good news. However, there is still concern for the lakes where ice formed before the last snowfall. That blanket of snow is slowing down the ice‐making process and can potential‐ ly cause inconsistent ice thickness. It might be two inches in one spot; a few yards away it could be six inches… that makes caution really important. Plus, you really can’t tell where there might be a bad spot or a seam. Finally, the blanket of snow acts as insulation and freezing temperatures don’t have the impact that they do on bare ice. The best news is that the big snow came before most of West Okoboji froze over. Little Emerson, most of Big Emerson and Smith’s Bay to the Emporium were iced over, so there is a lot of snow on those spots. As a result, those areas will require cau‐ tion and watching. As I drove around West Okoboji on New Years Eve after‐ noon, it appeared that the lake had totally frozen over. So, this will be the best chance for good ice, especially if we don’t get another big snowfall.
Spillway With the water running over the Big Spirit spillway, anglers should be especially careful of the current where it dumps into East Okoboji on the north end and at each of the bridges that run through the Okoboji chain till the water flows out of Lower Gar. It has been quite a few years since this has been an issue.
Minnewashta I did venture out on Minnewashta this past Sunday morning (January 3). I found the ice to be 7‐8 inches, and the layer of snow had hardened, so it was pretty easy to maneuver around. There was a current, but it really didn’t affect my lure, because I used one of Clam’s glow 1/32‐ounce Drop jigs tipped with silver wigglers. As usual, water clarity was only 2‐3 feet, so I used my Vexilar FL 28 to “see” what was going on. In a couple
A pair of nice bluegills caught in the shallows. Photo by Steve Weisman
of hours, I caught two perch, one yel‐ seven locations this winter. One of low bass and four bluegills with the those locations will be Scharnberg most action coming between 8‐9 a.m. Pond near Everly. The stocking was to take place Saturday, January 9 at West Okoboji My next venture was to the shal‐ approximately noon. However, with lows of West Okoboji in search of unsafe ice conditions, the stocking bluegills on January 4. With lots of has been moved to Saturday, January snow on the ice, ice conditions were 30 at noon. Everything hinges on kind of sketchy with a lot of it at 2‐3 favorable weather conditions and ice inches. I felt comfortable following safety. I certainly hope by that time the paths of other anglers, and when that we’ll have good, safe ice. I got out where I wanted to fish, I This stocking effort has become chose to fish on the path. It was really popular and gives anglers that rough from slushy water and snow, would ordinarily never get the chance where anglers had pulled their to fish for rainbow trout the opportu‐ shacks, but that also caused the path nity to have this experience. to freeze better than the snow cov‐ The stocking is supported by the ered areas, so I had five inches of ice sales of the trout fee that all licensed anglers must possess. Each stocking where I drilled. The spot I chose was about five feet event is treated as a family friendly deep and had good weeds on the bot‐ event. tom. I used a size 14 glow red Clam Children age 15 or younger can fish Drop Jig and tipped it with a silver wig‐ for trout with a properly licensed gler. Fish did come through at all levels adult, but they must limit their catch of the water column: from just off the to one individual’s daily limit. bottom to three feet off the bottom. Youngsters can purchase a trout fee, They were pretty aggressive, and I which will allow them to catch their used a tight jiggle, jiggle, jiggle…mak‐ own limit. ing sure that the jig did not spin from It’s really a pretty cool event, first line twist. I ended up keep a dozen watching the trout leave the tanks and then drilling some holes for some bluegills from 8‐9 inches in length. I do believe that we will have some trout action. The trout will usually mill terrific fishing on all of our lakes this around the release area, so that is where a lot of the fishing will take winter as the ice becomes safer. place. Winter trout stocking Action should continue for much of The Iowa DNR will release trout in the winter.
THURSDAY, JANUARY 7, 2016
ESTHERVILLE NEWS/ESTHERVILLE, IA
Be careful of the winter sun 2016 BALD EAGLE WATCH EVENTS BY STEVE WEISMAN OUTDOOR EDITOR
I’ve written a lot of stories about the dan‐ gers of contracting skin cancer due to expo‐ sure to the sun’s rays. I do believe that more and more people are starting to use sun‐ screen during the warm weather months. However, there is another time of year with which we should be concerned: the winter months. Although the sun doesn’t carry the warmth that it does during the summer, it still presents ultraviolet risks to those of us who spend a lot of time outside in the winter. As a matter of fact, research shows that snow can reflect back a much larger percentage of ultraviolet radiation that it does in the summer. The Sun Safety Alliance research shows that snow can reflect 85 to 90 percent of the sun’s ultravi‐ olet rays! So, for workers that spend day after day, snow skiers and ice fishermen, we are all at risk of developing skin cancer. Unfortunately, most people very seldom think about using sunscreen in the winter. As I have gotten older, I have found that the reflection of the sun off of the white snow is really hard on my eyes. At times, my eyes will actually water from the brightness, and I have to squint just to see. As a result, even on mostly cloudy days I will use my sunglasses‐year around. Researchers are now encouraging people to use sunglasses all year long. Research shows that the sun’s ultraviolet rays are hard on our eyes and can contribute to eye problems. Ever heard of snow blindness? Skiers and snowmobilers are in big danger of this if they don’t use dark glasses, gog‐
gles or helmets. This is actually when the intense reflection off the snow causes a sunburn on the surface of the eyes. Obviously, that can damage the cornea. After years of winter sun, other problems might include cataracts and macular degen‐ eration. As an ice fisherman, I have used sunglass‐ es for a long time, simply because it is so much more comfortable (and obviously safer). There is another reason that I do this, and it comes from an experience I wit‐ nessed on the ice. It was a nice calm morning, and the tem‐ perature was in the mid‐20s. So, several of us were sitting outside of our portable shacks on buckets. Well, you know, some‐ times when you bring a lure out of the water and it lands on the ice beside the hole, it can stick to the ice. I think we have all done this when that happens: snap the rod upward to free the lure. Well, on this particular morning, a middle‐ aged gal was sitting a few feet away when this happened to her lure. She popped it up, and the lure came flying up right at her face. Suddenly, she let out a scream, and I looked up. The teardrop had hit her on the eyelid and the hook had actually gone into the lid, imbedding itself beyond the barb of the hook. It became a quick trip to the emergency room for her. A friend told me later that that same thing had happened to her the winter before! Needless to say, I’ve had stuck lures come flying up at my face many times over the years. Since that time, I have definitely gone to wearing my sunglasses on the ice!
DU applauds passage of spending, tax bills WASHINGTON – On Friday, Dec.18, President Obama signed a $1.1 trillion omnibus spending bill, funding the government through FY16, as well as a $680 billion tax extenders package. Dale Hall, CEO of Ducks Unlimited released the following statement: “This legislation is a momentous win for landowners and conservation landscapes in this country. This legislation offers landowners a real incentive to protect wildlife resources on behalf of all Americans. Nonprofit conservation organizations like Ducks Unlimited will now have greater opportunities for charitable donations, which increases the funds available to restore and protect habitat and open spaces. This is a real step forward that benefits sportsmen, fishermen, hunters and outdoor enthusiasts. We applaud Congress for recognizing and including funding and tax provisions that strengthen and support the longevity of conservation in this country. Ducks Unlimited is thrilled to see final
passage by Congress on these bipartisan bills and commends President Obama for his signature of approval.” Ducks Unlimited Inc. is the world's largest non-profit organization dedicated to conserving North America's continually disappearing waterfowl habitats. Established in 1937, Ducks Unlimited has conserved more than 13 million acres thanks to contributions from more than a million supporters across the continent. Guided by science and dedicated to program efficiency, DU works toward the vision of wetlands sufficient to fill the skies with waterfowl today, tomorrow and forever. For more information on our work, visit www.ducks.org. Connect with us on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/DucksUnlimited, follow our tweets at www.twitter.com/DucksUnlimited and watch DU videos at www.youtube.com/DucksUnlimitedInc.
DES MOINES – Throughout the months of January, February and March, A total of 12 Bald Eagle Watch Events will take place in Iowa. In northwest Iowa, two events will be held in March. O’Brien County Bald Eagle Watch n Held on Saturday, March 6 at Prairie Heritage Center with elevated viewing deck. Experienced birders on hand provide educational opportuni‐ ties for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages. (Prairie Heritage Center, 4931 Yellow Avenue in Peterson) n At 2 p.m., Christina Roelofs from SOAR (Saving Our Avian Resources) will have a live bald eagle. She will talk about the bird’s special adaptations and give other information about their current population status. n Bring your camera and take advantage of this amazing opportunity to see a majestic bald eagle from an arm’s length! n For more information call Charlene Elyea at 712‐295‐7200. Sioux Rapids Bald Eagle Watch n Held on Saturday, March 12 hosted by Mirian McNabb. The event includes live eagles with interesting environmental presentations. (American Legion Building, 200 Main Street in Sioux Rapids) n 10 a.m. ‐ 2 p.m. Registration from 8:30 – 10 a.m., Lunch served at 12: 15, free will offering. Speakers from 10 a.m. to Noon. Presentations include live birds n Outdoor viewing at selected sites. n For more information call 712‐296‐4920 or 712‐295‐7200
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THURSDAY, JANUARY 7, 2016
BEST BITES EVER
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John Peterson with one of many northern pike from my most memorable northern pike outing. Photo by Bob Jensen
ESTHERVILLE NEWS/ESTHERVILLE, IA
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BY BOB JENSEN FISHING THE MIDWEST FISHING TEAM
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very now and then I get nostalgic and start thinking about past fishing trips. This is one of those times. In the following I’ll share some memorable fishing trips by species. Gotta’ start with walleyes. This is a tough one, because I’ve been in on some outstanding walleye bites. I’ve had the good fortune to share a boat on Green Bay with Bruce DeShano and Dean Arnoldussen when the bite for big ones was tremendous, but I think the best walleye bite for truly big walleyes occurred on the Red River near Selkirk Manitoba. It was in the early 90’s, I was fishing with Larry Rasmusson and Neil King for catfish: There’s big catfish in the Red River, but we kept catching walleyes on catfish baits, so we tied on crankbaits and started trolling. The bite was incredi‐ ble, and the walleyes were big. We got bit every 50 yards. It took us longer to land the fish than it did to get another one to bite. A small one was 25 inches, and the biggest one was 33 or 34 inches: I can’t remember the length and it doesn’t matter. I just remember it was the biggest walleye I’ve ever caught. Memorable! My best northern pike memory took place on Upper Red Lake in northern Minnesota. I was fishing with John Peterson and we were throwing the new at‐the‐time Magnum Reed‐Runner spinnerbait. The water on Upper Red is quite stained. The blades on the Magnum are big so they throw a lot of vibration which helped the pike locate our bait. We could feel the big blades throbbing as they came through the water. Quite often we would feel the blades do something different. It was almost as if they just quite turn‐ ing for a second or two. A savage strike usually came right after this. Eventually we realized that the pike were swiping at the bait but missing it, which caused the blades to change their frequency. If we just kept reeling, the pike would almost always return and get the bait the second time. We took numerous pike over 36 inches that afternoon, with several that stretched to 42 inches. Memorable! Back in the mid 80’s I worked with fishing legends Gary Roach and Randy Amenrud. We hosted a lot of fishing trips on Rainy Lake near International Falls Minnesota. Today Rainy Lake is an outstanding walleye fishery, back then it wasn’t as good. We went to Rainy for the crappies. They were abundant and they were big: Two pounders weren’t common, but we caught a few, and we caught lots and lots of 14 and 15 inch‐ ers. On one particular outing we located a school of crap‐ pies that were a couple feet off the bottom in 30 feet of water. Back then our sonar units weren’t as revealing as they are now. We were vertically jigging and the plan was to let our jigs fall to the bottom, then reel them up a couple of feet to get them to where the fish were. That plan didn’t work. For much of a two hour span in the evening, our jigs usually did‐ n’t hit the bottom: They were intercepted by hungry crap‐ pies before they could arrive at the bottom. Memorable! I have lots of other wonderful memories of times on the water when the fishing was exceptional that I will share in the near future. I also have wonderful memories of times on the water when the fishing wasn’t so good, but the day or the trip was memorable for some other reason. I’ll share those in the near future also. For now, I would encourage you to go fishing and make some wonderful memories of your own.